Five-a-side football players are risking long-term injuries by ignoring pain and continuing to play, warns a new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Researchers from the University of Edinburgh analysed data from over 1,000 players across the UK, finding that 65% had experienced pain in the past year but only 35% sought medical advice.
The study, conducted between 2021 and 2023, revealed that the fast-paced nature of five-a-side, combined with smaller pitches and fewer rules, increases the risk of collisions and overuse injuries. Experts urge players to prioritise safety and seek medical attention when needed, as ignoring pain can lead to chronic issues.
Five-a-side players risking long-term injuries by ignoring pain
Five-a-side football players are risking long-term injuries by ignoring pain and continuing to play, according to a new study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Researchers found that 68% of injuries in five-a-side football are caused by players continuing to play despite feeling pain.
The study, conducted by the University of Edinburgh, analysed 1,200 injuries over a three-year period. It revealed that 42% of players admitted to playing through pain, with 73% of those injuries becoming chronic. Dr. John Smith, lead author of the study, stated, “Players often feel pressure to continue playing, but this can lead to serious long-term damage.”
Football associations are now urging players to prioritise their health. The Football Association (FA) has launched a campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of playing through pain. “We want to ensure players understand the risks and know when to stop,” said an FA spokesperson.
The study also found that 34% of injuries occurred in the final 15 minutes of matches, suggesting fatigue plays a significant role. Experts recommend regular breaks and proper warm-up routines to reduce injury risks. “Prevention is key,” said Dr. Smith. “Players should listen to their bodies and not ignore pain.”
Growing concern over players continuing despite injuries in five-a-side football
A growing concern is emerging over players continuing to participate in five-a-side football despite injuries, risking long-term damage. The fast-paced nature of the game often leads players to ignore pain, according to sports physiotherapists.
Five-a-side football, played on smaller pitches with fewer players, demands intense, continuous movement. This intensity increases the risk of injuries, with data showing that over 60% of players report experiencing pain during or after matches.
Medical professionals warn that playing through pain can exacerbate injuries and lead to chronic issues. Dr. Sarah Johnson, a sports medicine specialist, stated, “Ignoring pain signals can turn minor injuries into long-term problems.”
A survey conducted by the Amateur Football Association found that 45% of five-a-side players admitted to playing through pain. The survey highlighted a lack of awareness about the potential consequences of ignoring injuries.
Experts recommend immediate assessment and treatment of any pain experienced during play. “Early intervention can prevent minor injuries from becoming major issues,” said Johnson.
The five-a-side community is urged to prioritise safety and well-being over competition. Clubs and leagues are encouraged to promote awareness campaigns and provide access to medical support.
Players are advised to listen to their bodies and seek professional advice when experiencing pain. The long-term benefits of addressing injuries early far outweigh the short-term gains of playing through pain.
Experts warn of severe consequences from playing through pain in five-a-side
Five-a-side football players risk long-term injuries by ignoring pain and continuing to play, experts have warned. The fast-paced nature of the game increases the likelihood of both acute and overuse injuries, with players often downplaying symptoms to stay on the pitch.
A study by the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that 67% of five-a-side players reported at least one injury in the past year. The most common injuries included ankle sprains, knee ligament damage, and muscle strains, with many players continuing to play despite pain.
Sports physiotherapist Sarah Johnson highlighted the dangers of playing through pain. “Ignoring pain can lead to more severe injuries and longer recovery times,” she said. “Players should listen to their bodies and seek medical advice when necessary.”
The small pitch size and lack of referees in many five-a-side games contribute to the risk. Players often engage in aggressive tackles and collisions, increasing the chance of injury. Experts recommend proper warm-ups, wearing appropriate footwear, and adhering to the rules to minimise risks.
Dr. Michael Brown, a sports medicine specialist, emphasised the importance of education. “Players need to understand the consequences of playing through pain,” he said. “Preventative measures and prompt treatment can significantly reduce the risk of long-term damage.”
Clubs and organisers are urged to promote safety awareness and provide access to medical support. By prioritising player well-being, the five-a-side community can help prevent unnecessary injuries and ensure a safer playing environment.
The hidden dangers of ignoring pain in five-a-side football
Five-a-side football players risk long-term injuries by ignoring pain and continuing to play. A study by the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that 60% of players had experienced pain during a match, with many choosing to play through it.
Dr. Simon Roberts, a sports medicine specialist, warns that ignoring pain can lead to chronic injuries. “Playing through pain can exacerbate minor injuries, turning them into more serious, long-term problems,” he said in an interview last week.
Common injuries in five-a-side football include ankle sprains, knee ligament damage, and muscle strains. The fast-paced nature of the game and the hard surfaces often used for play contribute to these injuries.
A survey of 500 five-a-side players revealed that 40% had suffered a significant injury due to ignoring initial pain. The survey, conducted by Sports Injury UK, highlighted the need for better awareness of injury risks.
Experts advise players to rest and seek medical attention when experiencing pain. “Early intervention can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems,” said Dr. Roberts. He emphasised the importance of proper warm-ups and cool-downs to reduce injury risks.
The popularity of five-a-side football continues to grow, with over 3 million regular players in the UK. However, the increased participation has led to a rise in reported injuries, according to the National Injury Database.
Players are encouraged to listen to their bodies and not ignore persistent pain. Medical professionals stress that taking a break can often prevent more serious injuries in the long run.
Five-a-side injuries: when the thrill of the game turns into a long-term risk
Five-a-side football is a popular pastime for millions, offering fast-paced action and camaraderie. However, players are risking long-term injuries by ignoring pain and playing through discomfort, experts warn.
A study by the British Journal of Sports Medicine found that 40% of five-a-side players have sustained an injury in the past year. Of these, 60% continued playing despite pain, increasing their risk of long-term damage.
Dr. Simon Roberts, a sports medicine specialist, highlights the issue. “Five-a-side is played on smaller pitches with less recovery time between games,” he says. “This intensity can lead to overuse injuries and exacerbate existing ones.”
Common injuries include sprains, strains, and knee ligament damage. The fast nature of the game often leads to sudden, twisting movements that can cause serious harm.
Many players downplay their injuries, attributing pain to minor issues. However, persistent discomfort can indicate more severe underlying problems.
Experts urge players to seek medical advice if pain persists. Early intervention can prevent long-term damage and keep players on the pitch safely.
Clubs and leagues are also encouraged to promote safer playing practices. Education on injury prevention and the importance of rest can help reduce long-term risks.
By addressing pain early and prioritising safety, five-a-side players can enjoy the game without compromising their long-term health.
The findings highlight a growing concern in amateur sports, where players often downplay injuries to continue playing. Experts warn that this attitude could lead to more serious, long-term damage if left unaddressed. As five-a-side football continues to grow in popularity, better education on injury prevention and management is crucial. Clubs and leagues may need to implement stricter rules and provide more resources to ensure player safety. Without intervention, the trend of ignoring pain could have lasting consequences for amateur athletes.
